Pacers Shift Ball-Handling Duties to Nembhard and Siakam After Haliburton Injury
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INDIANAPOLIS — With All-Star guard Tyrese Haliburton recovering from a June Achilles tear and expected to miss the entire 2025-26 season, the Indiana Pacers opened training camp on Monday outlining a shared plan to replace their primary playmaker.
Guard Andrew Nembhard, who started alongside Haliburton during his first three NBA seasons, said the new responsibilities will force him to “look at the game differently.” “Bringing the ball up is a whole new way of looking at the game instead of running off the ball,” the 25-year-old told reporters.
Forward Pascal Siakam emphasized that Indiana’s offense will rely on multiple contributors rather than a single replacement. “It’s never been about one person,” the 31-year-old said. “We all are gonna have to do it collectively.” Siakam, who frequently initiated offense during his Toronto tenure, noted that he is comfortable handling and creating: “I feel like what makes me different is that I can adapt to every situation.”
Mathurin’s Development Key
Bennedict Mathurin, eligible for a rookie-scale extension entering his fourth season, is expected to join Nembhard in the starting backcourt. The wing said improving his decision-making is a priority. Head coach Rick Carlisle echoed that view, adding that Mathurin will draw tougher defensive assignments: “There’s a very good chance he’ll be asked to guard the ball in a lot of situations.”
Center Competition Wide Open
Four starting spots appear settled with Nembhard, Mathurin, Aaron Nesmith, and Siakam. The lone question is at center, where Isaiah Jackson and Jay Huff lead a group that also includes James Wiseman and Tony Bradley. Carlisle said Jackson has worked with the first unit in pickup games but stressed that no decision has been made. He highlighted Huff’s shooting and rim protection as “an important ingredient.”
Leadership Vacuum
Veteran guard T.J. McConnell acknowledged the need for stronger locker-room voices with Haliburton sidelined and James Johnson no longer on the roster. “James and Tyrese were those constant voices. Not only myself, but others have to step up and have more of a voice,” McConnell said.
The Pacers begin preseason play next week as they sort out their new rotation and leadership structure without their franchise point guard.
Source: Hoops Rumors
